Pope propells Wembdon to emphatic win

BRENDAN Pope returned impressive figures of 6-49 to fire Wembdon to a much needed victory over previously unbeaten Frenchay on Saturday.

Pope ripped through the middle order, ably supported by Dan Bingham (1-24) and Ian Blackwell (2-11) to seal an emphatic victory - after Rich Gower (53) and Blackwell (34) had propelled them to an imposing 260-9 batting first.

Winning the toss Wembdon elected to bat first and Gower and Puddy got them off to a blistering start, bringing up the teams 50 in the ninth over. Puddy (21) was the first to go to a good catch, but Gower continued the positive display, supported by the steady Curd (20) who ensured there wouldn't be collapse like in previous weeks.

Gower eventually went bowled, but Brockwell (30) shared a 50 partnership with Curd seeing Wembdon to 140 off 30 overs.

Ian Blackwell (34) looked in fine touch scoring at more than a run a ball and Trunks played with his aggressive, care free style for a quick fire 15.

With ten overs left, Bingham (18) and Pope (22) shared a 40 run stand as Wembdon finished on a strong total.

In reply, Penn (37 off 21 including nine boundaries) and Donaldson (17) came at Wembdon hard. The pair shared a 40 partnership off first five overs but Wembdon dug in and chances came two good catches by Puddy and Gower off Pope saw both dismissed and the game changed significantly thereafter.

Pope soon got to work, reducing Frenchay from 41-0 to 73-6 – before Hubbard (1-8) and Blackwell got in on the act to dismiss Frenchay for just 93 inside 24 overs.

Wembdon first XI return home after two weeks on the road to play table topping undefeated Midsomer Norton - 1pm start.